My highs and lows this week are coming to you from Beaver, Utah, where I’ve joined officials from the federal, state, and local government to survey the damage caused by the Cottonwood Fire and the subsequent flooding. Obviously my low is the destruction that has come through this tight-knit community, where many lost their properties and took devastating blows to their livelihoods. As many of you know, wildfires and floods operate in a cycle. Wildfires remove the vegetation that absorbs moisture, which leads to flooding in our communities.

But a high is that the people here have really rallied support for one another, and I got to see firsthand a community showcasing the pioneer spirit (on Pioneer Day, no less) by serving one another in the face of hardship. It was also a high that thanks to proactive emergency preparedness measures, there was no loss of life.

This instance goes to show how critical it is to perform proactive forest management to mitigate wildfires. Part of my trip today has been to highlight the Fix Our Forests Act, which would fix the root issue of our forest management problem: an overly burdensome regulatory environment rife with litigation. The bill aims to combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive. Learn more about it here.

Happy Pioneer Day! I hope you all have a great weekend celebrating with family and friends.

Senator Curtis, along with Senators Lee (R-UT) and Crapo (R-ID), introduced a resolution commemorating the arrival of the first company of Latter-day Saint pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. In remarks delivered on the Senate floor, Curtis highlighted how the virtues demonstrated by early Latter-day Saint pioneers—including faith, sacrifice, resilience, and community—are universal American aspirations and essential to addressing the nation’s modern challenges.





Full story by Cami Mondeaux here. 



Wildfires have already burned nearly 380,000 acres across Utah, and it's only the beginning of the peak dry season. Our communities are grappling with destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, displaced families, and the continued looming threats of post-fire flooding, erosion, and watershed contamination. Senators Curtis, Padilla (D-CA), Tillis (R-NC), and Schiff (D-CA) urged Congressional leaders to include long-term disaster recovery funding in any supplemental appropriations package.



If we’re serious about reducing the size and severity of wildfires, we need to stop punishing local authorities for doing the right thing to improve forest health and remove hazardous fuels. Senator Curtis led his Environment and Public Works Committee colleagues—including Committee Chair Capito (R-WV) and Senators Merkley (D-OR), Boozman (R-AR), Padilla (D-CA), and Kelly (D-AZ)—in introducing the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA).

The bipartisan legislation would streamline states’ use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and make American forests and communities safer, healthier, and cleaner. It also promotes the efficient use of state air quality resources and provides certainty that states will not be penalized for taking action to prevent wildfires.





Communities across Utah are growing faster than ever, and our transportation planning needs to reflect where people are headed—not just where they live today. Senators Curtis and Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Promoting Access to Transit in High-Growth Communities (PATH) Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize how the federal government evaluates transit projects seeking funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants program. 





St. George is among the fastest-growing cities in the United States, which makes infrastructure investments critical to maintaining quality of life, improving safety, and reducing congestion. Senator Curtis worked with the U.S. Department of Transportation on securing funding for a critical undercrossing project in St. George.





Senator Curtis applauded the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passage of the bipartisan Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, legislation he cosponsored that would improve the Federal Aviation Administration’s type certification process for American Advanced Air Mobility aircraft companies to help them succeed and cement the United States’ role as a global leader in aviation. 



Senator Curtis shared the following statement on the passing of First Lt. Tyler James Feehan:

“As a former member of the Utah National Guard and a Southern Utah University student, First Lt. Tyler James Feehan leaves behind a legacy that will be felt here in Utah and across our nation. Sue and I are praying for his loved ones, fellow soldiers, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss. We are forever indebted to those who make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”



Senator Curtis shared the following statement mourning the tragic loss of Capt. Spencer Long and his family following a flash flood in Wayne County:

“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of this family, including Provo firefighter Capt. Spencer Long, in a flash flood in Wayne County. Sue and I are praying for their loved ones and express our gratitude to the first responders.”

Catastrophic wildfires leave lasting consequences long after the smoke clears, including by removing vegetation that otherwise would absorb moisture and mitigate floods. The flooding in Beaver County is a tragic reminder that overgrown, unhealthy forests put lives, homes, and communities at great risk. Now more than ever, Senator Curtis’ Fix Our Forests Act needs to become law so land managers can better treat our forests before disaster strikes.



Full story by Eva Terry here.

Ever wondered why Utah is the “Beehive State?” On Pioneer Day, Senator Curtis highlighted his beekeeping hobby and showed how the industry and perseverance required for a healthy hive are exactly the values that have contributed to Utah’s success since 1847. 

At a “Flavors of Utah” event in D.C. featuring Utah-based vendors, Senator Curtis sampled some local favorites and celebrated the companies creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Utah so special.





Long-term public health and economic strength in Utah depend on preserving the Great Salt Lake. Senator Curtis met with local leaders to discuss how to best collaborate across every level of government to ensure the lake remains viable for generations to come.





Senator Curtis met with members of the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation Business Committee to discuss federal issues impacting the Tribe, including tribal consultation, permitting, energy development, and public safety.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing milestone, but the path to citizenship can sometimes be filled with uncertainty and long delays. One Utah constituent reached out to Senator Curtis’ office after waiting for progress on a naturalization application. With support from our casework team, their case moved forward, leading to an invitation to their Oath of Citizenship ceremony. With their permission, we’re sharing their story to highlight how our office helps constituents navigate the final steps of their journey to becoming U.S. citizens.



If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, our office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.

As Utahns head outdoors this season, Senator Curtis has launched a new Utah Water Recreation and Access page to help families, boaters, anglers, and visitors plan ahead before traveling to the state’s most popular lakes and reservoirs.

Before your next lake trip, visit curtis.senate.gov/utah-recreational-lake-conditions for a one-stop shop for the latest available information.

Sen. John Curtis proposes legislation to enhance low-altitude airspace safety (Cache Valley Daily)

Sen. Curtis says ‘it’s time for Congress to act’ after 2 servicemembers killed in Iran (Deseret News)

Sen. John Curtis backs legislation to impose tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas (Cache Valley Daily)

SUU student identified among soldiers killed in Jordan (Utah News Dispatch)

Curtis secures committee approval of water projects for Utah amid intense drought (Utah Policy)

curtis.senate.gov

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